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ANSI/ISEA 107-2010

Made Easy
A Quick Reference to High-Visibility Safety Apparel
The American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010) is a standard established by American National Standards Institute, Inc. Construction, maintenance, utility, emergency responders, airport ramp personnel and other workers are routinely exposed to the hazards of low visibility while on the job. This standard provides guidelines for the selection and use of high-visibility safety apparel such as shirts, rainwear, outerwear, safety vests and headwear to improve worker visibility during the day, in low-light conditions and at night. Notable changes from the second edition (ANSI/ISEA 107-2004) include a new requirement for retroreflective material in the shoulder area; clarification of the definitions of waterproof, water resistant, and water repellant; and new labeling and test requirements for flame resistant garments. The appendices have been updated to include additional examples of garment designs and trim patterns such as split trim configurations. This information, ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 Made Easy: A Quick Reference to High-Visibility Safety Apparel, summarizes the main provisions of the standard including minimum performance criteria and basic design requirements. You should obtain a copy of the standard and refer to it for more detailed information. And remember, there is more to designing a high-visibility safety garment than meeting the minimum performance specifications and design guidelines of the ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard. Garment designs should incorporate the full range of your needs for functionality, comfort, durability and image.

ANSI/ISEA 107 History and Related Regulations


The ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standard was the first U.S. standard for the design and performance of materials for high-visibility safety apparel. Since 1999, private industry, various federal, state, and local authorities have embraced ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant garments and headwear as useful PPE for workers exposed to struck-by hazards. In November 2008, 23 CFR part 634 was the first U. S. Federal regulation applied to highway construction, maintenance and utility workers, and required the use of performance ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 2 or 3 garments. The 23 CFR part 634 regulation has been incorporated into the 2009 edition of the Federal Highway Administrations Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD requires all workers on or near the roadway right-of-way to wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets performance Class 2 or 3 of ANSI 107-2004 or equivalent revisions. The MUTCD cites two special cases. 1. In addition to ANSI 107, law enforcement personnel and other emergency responders may comply by using ANSI 207-2006 garments. 2.  Fire fighters may use retroreflective turnout gear compliant to NFPA standards when exposed to flame, fire, heat and/or hazardous materials during emergency operations.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 specifies the following:


Design Requirements for Background and Combined-Performance Retroreflective Materials Photometric and Physical Performance Requirements for Retroreflective Materials Care Labeling

Definitions
Retroreflective, combined-performance, and background materials must be certified to the specific performance requirements in the standard. High-visibility safety apparel manufacturers must make documentation available to verify that the finished garments also meet the requirements of the standard. Background material: Colored fluorescent material intended to be highly conspicuous, but not intended to comply with the requirements of this standard for retroreflective material. Retroreflective material: Material that reflects and returns a relatively high proportion of light in a direction close to the direction from which it came. Combined-performance material: A retroreflective material that is also a fluorescent material. Combined-performance materials can be counted toward the minimum area requirements for background material specified in Table 1. Compliance: Retroreflective, combined-performance and background materials are to be certified to the performance requirements in the standard. Manufacturers of the finished garment must make documentation available to verify that components used to make high-visibility garments meet the requirements of the standard. Certify (background and retroreflective material): To obtain compliance certification documents based on testing from an independent, third party accredited laboratory to verify performance requirements as specified in the standard. Certify (finished item): To provide documentation from either an independent third-party accredited laboratory or to self-certify through the use of the Apparel and Headwear Compliance Certificate. (Appendix D6) Accredited laboratory: A laboratory having a certificate of accreditation meeting the requirements ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (or other equivalent standard) for the collection and analysis of data within the parameters of this standard.

Design
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard provides design guidelines and specifies the photometric requirements, minimum amounts of component materials, colors, and placement to create garments and headwear for the purpose of enhancing the visibility of workers. Refer to Section 6 of the standard for more detailed information. The selection of components and classes of apparel should be made based upon what is appropriate for the hazard and with the safety of the worker in mind.

Component Colors
There are three different colors for background and combined-performance material from which to choose: fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red and fluorescent red. Users should consider the work and natural environment to determine the most conspicuous color for daytime use. Is the environment urban or rural, heavy foliage or desert? Are work zone devices and equipment yellow or orange? Choose the fluorescent color that achieves the highest degree of worker contrast.

Garment Classes
Three classes of high-visibility safety apparel help the user choose the proper garments for a work situation. The classes state the minimal amount of background and retroreflective material, and placement of retroreflective material needed as well as technical requirements for garment design. Garments that cover the torso, such as T-shirts and safety vests, are intended to meet Class 1 or Class 2 requirements. Shorts are included in the description of Class E garments.

Class 1 Garments

Class 2 Garments

Class 3 Garments

Retroreflective Material Placement


Class 1 and 2 garments, such as vests and T-shirts, and Class 3 garment designs, such as vest with Class E pants ensembles, coveralls, outerwear and rainwear should achieve the following: Use of retroreflective band widths appropriate for the garment class. (Refer to Section 6.1.1. of the standard.) Provide 360 visibility with horizontal gaps of 50 mm or less.  Garments without reflective material encircling the sleeves, are now required to have 150 cm (23.25 in) of reflective material in the shoulder area, to provide 180 visibility of the wearer. Shoulder area is defined as measuring 15 cm (5.9 in) down from the shoulder high point, on the front and back of the garment. The requirement of 23.25 in is the total amount of reflective material required in the shoulder area including the front and back of the garment, e.g., shoulder area retroreflective material amount front + rear 23.25 in. Appropriate separation distances of vertical and horizontal bands placed on the torso, sleeves and trouser areas. Appropriate retroreflective band placement and garment design.  In addition to trim, retroreflective patterns, such as logos, design icons, or identification text may contribute to the maximum area requirements specified in Table 1. 15 cm (5.9 in)

Requirements for Background and Combined-Performance Materials


Section 7 of the standard provides specifications for color, brightness, fabric strength and moisture resistance after various exposure tests.  Background and Combined-Performance material needs to be tested for chromaticity or color, and luminance or brightness, when new and for colorfastness after laundering and Xenon (UV light) exposure. Table 2 in Section 6 is now the requirement for both background and combined-performance materials. Background materials must also be tested for colorfastness after crocking and perspiration tests.  Other tests for background materials include testing for dimensional change (shrinking) after washing and dry-cleaning, tensile strength, tear resistance, bursting strength of woven material and bursting strength of knitted material.  If the garment is intended to provide protection during rainfall, background materials also need to be tested as water repellent, water resistant, and /or water proof. See Section 7.5 of the standard for updated definitions. 3

Table 1: Minimum areas of visible material ANSI/ISEA 107-2010


Performance Class 3 Background material Retroreflective or combined-performance material used in conjunction with background material Combined-performance material used without background material 1240 in (0.80 m) Performance Class 2 775 in (0.50 m) Performance Class 1 217 in (0.14 m) Class E 465 in (0.30 m) Headwear 78 in (0.05 m)

310 in (0.20 m)

201 in (0.13 m)

155 in (0.10 m)

108 in (0.07 m)

10 in (0.0065 m) Level 2

NA

NA

310 in (0.20 m) 1 in (25 mm) or 2 in (50 mm) combined-performance material (without background material) 4.3 yds of 1 in (25 mm) width 3.1 yds of 1.372 in (35 mm) width 2.15 yds of 2 in (50 mm) width Level 2 (Table 4) or Level 1 (Table 5)

NA

78 in (0.05 m) Level 2 or 1

Minimum width of retroreflective material

2 in (50 mm)

1.375 in (35 mm)

2 in (50 mm)

Minimum number of yards per retroreflective material width

4.3 yds of 2 in (50 mm) width

4 yds of 1.375 in (35 mm) width 2.8 yds of 2 in (50 mm) width

1.5 yds of 2 in (50 mm) wide

Photometric performance

Level 2 (Table 4) or Level 1 (Table 5)

Level 2 (Table 4) or Level 1 (Table 5)

Level 2 (Table 4) or Level 1 (Table 5)

See Above

Note: Consult the ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard for Tables 4 and 5.

Shoulder area trim provides human form definition, and 180 visibility of the wearer

Top arm band placed between elbow and shoulder

Horizontal retroreflective trim placed at > 2" from bottom garment hem, provides 360 of visibility to the wearer

Separation between bands must be at least 2"

Trim 2" from sleeve cuff and garment hem

Trim 2" from pant bottom hem and at least a 2" separation between bands

Photometric and Physical Performance Requirements for Retroreflective and Combined-Performance Materials
Section 8 of the standard specifies photometric and performance requirements for retroreflective and combined-performance materials, such as minimum brightness after test exposure.  3M retroreflective and combined-performance materials are certified to ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 specifications. (Refer to the tables in Section 7 and 8 of the standard.)  All material must meet the minimum brightness requirements after tests for abrasion resistance, flexing, folding at cold temperatures, variation in temperatures, influence of rainfall, and laundering. When washing is indicated on the care label, the number of cycles should be tested per ISO 6330 Method 2A, 60 C, or dry-cleaning per ISO 3759. (Refer to Section 9 of the standard.)  Combined-performance material must also meet the minimum luminance or brightness factors after a Xenon exposure test (UV light). (Refer to Section 7 of the standard.)

XYZ Manufacturer ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 100% Polyester 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material Model #: Hi Vis Vest Size: Large Class 2 Level 2 FR- ASTM F1506-08 Washing Instructions Wash warm Max 25 cycles Do not bleach Tumble dry low Do not iron Do not dry-clean

Care Labeling, General Marking and Instructions for Use


Once all materials have been tested against performance requirements and certificates of compliance from a third party testing laboratory have been issued, apparel manufacturers then assemble garments according to the design guidelines in Section 6 of the standard for the appropriate class of garment. Only after all the materials performance and design requirements have been met, can a garment be labeled ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 compliant. Garment labeling, general marking and instructions for use are described in Sections 10 to 12 of the standard.

Specific Marking
Marking includes the following information:  Name, trademark, or other means of identifying the manufacturer or authorized representative. Designation of the product type, commercial name or code. Size designation. Number of this specific ANSI/ISEA standard (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010).

Compliance with flame resistance can be indicated in one of 2 ways: 1.  The letters FR on the label followed by the designation of the ASTM standard specification from the list of allowed standards in Section 9.5. 2.  Garments which fully meet the third party certification requirements to NFPA 1971, 1977, or 2112, may use the separate label indicated by the NFPA standard to indicate FR compliance. Pictogram showing the garment Class and Level of performance for the retroreflective material. Care labeling with ASTM D5489-07 symbols and maximum cycles for the cleaning process. Instructions for Use (if applicable). 5

Answers To Most Frequently Asked Questions:


1.  Are there other differences between the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standards? Yes. There are additional differences between the 2004 and 2010 editions of this standard. See the companion document, Comparison of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Versus ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 for additional information. 2.  Does OSHA require the use of high-visibility safety apparel for construction workers working in highway/construction work zones at risk of being struck by traffic? Yes. Per the OSHA Standard Interpretation, #20080829-8611, dated 8/5/2009, under OSHA Act OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. 654(a)(1), also known as the General Duty Clause, OSHA requires high-visibility apparel for flaggers, workers exposed to vehicle traffic near excavations, and for other workers in highway/construction zones which are exposed to traffic. The letter cited the regulation 23 CFR Part 634, Worker Visibility, which requires garments compliant to ANSI 107 Class 2 or 3. 3.  Does this edition of the standard replace the 2004 edition? ANSI 107-2010 replaces the ANSI 107-2004 version. Garment designs should be written to comply with the new version of the standard. 4.  What version of ANSI 107 does MUTCD 2009 require? For all workers, including emergency responders, within the right-of-way who are exposed either to traffic or to work vehicles and construction equipment within a Temporary Traffic Control zone, MUTCD 2009 Section 6D.03 requires Class 2 or Class 3 garments of ANSI 107-2004 or equivalent revisions, such as ANSI 107-2010. Section 6E.02 requires ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 or 3 for flaggers- FL orange-red or yellow green are required background colors. Section 7D.04 requires ANSI 107-2004 Class 2 for Adult Crossing Guards. 5.  What are the new label requirements for ANSI 107-2010, in light of MUTCD 2009? The MUTCD 2009 specifies that the 2004 version or equivalent revisions, e.g., the 2010 version, may be used for compliance to MUTCD, but must be labeled as ANSI 107-2004. Until an official statement is issued from MUTCD, garments meeting both requirements should be labeled as both ANSI 107-2010 and ANSI 107-2004. 6. Can NFPA 701 be used to claim flame resistance for an ANSI 107-2010 garment? No. 7.  Are sleeveless vests with the two horizontal stripes compliant to ANSI 107-2010? No. The 2010 standard requires 23.5 in of material in the shoulder area for all sleeveless garments. However, garments with sleeves which incorporate bands on the sleeves are not required to have material in the shoulder area.
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8.  Does the standard only permit the designs that are provided in the Appendix of the standard? No. The designs provided in the appendix of the standard are only examples. There may be many innovative designs including use of primary apparel such as shirts that meet the standard and are different from the limited examples in the Appendix. Section 6 of the standard states the design requirements of the standard. 9.  Does open weave or mesh meet the background materials requirements of the standard? ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 is a performance standard and the material specifications are not written to include or exclude any materials if they meet the requirements for visibility or durability. Many compliant mesh products are available in the marketplace. 10.  I have only found larger-sized garments that meet the standard. I have smaller workers that need appropriately fitting garments to work safe. Is this being addressed? The following quote was taken from the standard, Section 6.3 Ergonomics (Page 6). The garment shall offer the wearer the best possible degree of comfort that is consonant with provision of adequate protection. The garment shall be designed for correct fit and positioning on the user and should be designed to ensure that it remains in place for the expected period of use, anticipating environmental factor as well as movements the wearer could adopt during the course of work. Health & Safety Managers may wish to consider the selection of a different garment style, such as a vest or shirt with sleeves, to accommodate small-framed personnel. Access our website at Scotchlite.com to learn more about the ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices 2009 Edition pages 564-566, 745

11.  Is this standard the same as the European EN 471 standard? No. The developers of the standard used many of the requirements of EN 471 because the science supported the performance criteria that are established. See the 3M website Scotchlite.com for an explanation of the differences. 12.  Does the ANSI 107-2010 standard allow for split trim designs on a Class 2 or Class 3 garment? The split trim configuration, i.e. two 1" bands of reflective material separated by 2" of background material, is allowed by Section 6.1.1.1 of the standard. See Appendix C, Figure C-4 for an example.

Six Steps For Selecting High-Visibility Safety Apparel


Step 1: Obtain and review copies of ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standard and relevant regulations. Step 2: Conduct a survey of worksite low visibility hazards to determine the appropriate class of garments, as directed by the 2009 MUTCD Section 6D.03 paragraph 03 subparagraph E. Remember that the survey should account for more than speed. Also consider worker proximity to traffic, other prevailing colors, weather conditions, task loads and the traffic control plan. Step 3: Working with the 3M team and your safety and design specialists, design concept garments that meet your needs. Remember to take a comprehensive approach to garment design in order to balance your requirements for garment functionality, comfort and durability. An ISEA study of construction work zones found that non-use of garments is related to lack of comfort and style. These issues can be addressed effectively through appropriate designs. Step 4: Review your design choice with a visibility demonstration and/or wear test. Step 5: Write a specification based on specific performance criteria. Require use of certified components only. Step 6: When the safety apparel is issued to your workers, provide them with training that explains the purpose and use of their new high-visibility garments.

Look to 3M
When it comes to safety apparel, 3M is an industry leader in providing information, research, reflective applications advice, and garment design consultation. You and your workers can look to 3M for quality, reliability, and product support. Our sales and technical support staffs want to help you with selection of components and garment design, planning and executing a visibility demonstration, and developing a garment specification. For more information on how 3M can help you with your high-visibility safety apparel needs, call 800-328-7098, Ext. 2.

Important Notice to User


LIMITED WARRANTY: In the event any 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material is found to be defective in material, workmanship, or not in conformation with any express warranty, 3Ms only obligation and your exclusive remedy shall be to replace or refund the purchase price, at 3Ms option, of such product upon timely notification thereof and substantiation that the product has been stored, maintained and used in accordance with 3Ms written instructions. EXCLUSIONS TO WARRANTY: THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OTHER WARRANTY OF QUALITY, EXCEPT OF TITLE AND AGAINST PATENT INFRINGEMENT. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Except as provided above, 3M shall not be liable in contract or tort for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential, (including, without limitation, lost profits, goodwill and business opportunity) arising out of the sale, use or misuse of the product, or the users inability to use the product. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE. PRODUCT USE: Because of the unlimited variety of potential applications for these products, BEFORE production use, the user (which may be a product designer, product specifier, converter or end product manufacturer or others) must determine that the Products are suitable for the intended use and are compatible with other component materials. User is solely responsible for determining the proper amount and placement of Products. While reflective products enhance visibility, no reflective product can ensure visibility or safety under all possible conditions. 3M may change the product, specifications and availability of the product as improvements are made; therefore, user should contact 3M for latest information before specifying the product.

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